| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 03 Jan 2007 : 20:43:49
The Jeweled Edge is the name of the adventuring band that I am currently running. I'm posting a journal here for your viewing pleasure. Additionally, it serves as a great online backup as I very nearly lost everything. I'm sorry that my sessions are so concisely summarized, but I just don't have the time for writing long narratives (as I would like to), but feel free to ask a question, and I'll see if I can expand a little on the sketchy notes here.
Please feel free to leave comments |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Jimbobx |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 15:14:40
Great campaign notes...wonderfully fleshed out characters. |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 28 Apr 2007 : 15:14:08
Session 21: The End
In life, there are detours; in D&D there are side adventures.
This one turned out to be a very long detour, one not easilly overcome. I won't take the time to relate what occurred in this note (in the scheme of things, it doesn't really matter). What does matter is that Angorn and Elsanoth died at the hands of Zhentarim agents, after being critically wounded on a pointless treasure hunt.
I hate that. I didn't want to let it happen. Their deaths weren't meaningful to the story, nor were they caused by a supreme villain who sits at the heart of the campaign. Its not a stretch to say that their deaths were meaningless. Angorn and Elsanoth's players were much more accepting of the event than I was.
In the end, the survivors had to ask themselves some questions: Why are we doing this when death can come upon us at any moment from a dinner party to a walk down the road? Esvelle just wanted to go home. Nag Hommorrah had been slain allready; veangance complete. Bartolous saw a growing darkness in himself that he couldn't allow. He just wanted to go home where everything is simple. A place where people don't get turned into stone. A place where you don't have to burn men alive.
What I'm saying, is that five of the seven of us voted to retire our PC's. The only two that didn't vote were the ones that weren't there. There were a few reasons:
1) These folks never chose to adventure, they had been runnning away. What they had been running away from is gone now. Why should they continue?
2) Apparently being turned to stone for six months is a lot more mentally and emotionally traumatizing to you all than I originally thought. All of the characters present last night seemed a little emotionally disturbed.
3) These characters were designed to go through a set of adventures that you all would not be going through. They were not particularly suited to the ones that you were starting.
4) Two of your six would be two levels lower than everyone else.
5) A new character is a new opportunity. |
| dwarvenranger |
Posted - 26 Apr 2007 : 18:58:42
quote:
Originally posted by WalkerNinja
Some of the things that don't make it into the notes:
1) the nature of the Liiran ceremony that the Jeweled Edge participated in and how it made some members a lot closer than anyone would expect.
Hey now, it's not Angorn's fault you can't tell the difference between a male and female elf from behind |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 26 Apr 2007 : 17:00:49
The party is about sixth level now (they all have varying totals, but I believe that they are all about 6th). The party is probably equivalent to a 7th or 8th level party though because they have higher than normal stats (by design) and I've tossed some free feats at them now and again. Not good ones, by the way, stuff like Spell Thematics, Spell Girding, Fearless. Not something that you'd normally take on your way to a prestige class, but something interesting that you don't see too often.
Bartolous, for instance, got Spell Thematics and went with an "Eye" theme which ties into his deity (Savras) and his familiar (Beholderkin, Eyeball). Elsanoth got Fearless basically to illustrate that his emotions don't hold sway over him. He's a gambler, but he knows the odds and seldom goes with just his gut. I won't tell you what Esvelle's been getting (that's a gooood secret). For Angorn, I gave him Tireless because he's sort of the party's rock, eternally dependable, indefatiguable. I also said that Tireless supercedes Endurance for the purposes of qualifying for other feats or prestige classes.
I thank you for your compliment concerning my notes. I still, however, look at them as woefully inadequate. Really, you're only ever hearing a half (maybe even a quarter of the story). Some of the things that don't make it into the notes:
1) the nature of the Liiran ceremony that the Jeweled Edge participated in and how it made some members a lot closer than anyone would expect.
2) Elsanoth worming his way into the skirts of just about any lady who is amenable
3) Davram's perfect portrayal of a small town boy raised in an inn, and the frequency with which he puts his foot in his mouth in front of JUST the wrong people
4) The ever present assumption by NPC's that Bartolous (or Davram) is the leader of the group
5) Bartolous' utter aversion to bloodshed, and his refusal to burn anyone else with a spell after his encounter in the Devil's Fire Tavern
6) Angorn continuously using idiomatic dwarven speech (not just a scottish accent, but actual specialized faerunian vocabulary)
7) Just how shy Esvelle really is
8) The astonishment at being attacked by an animated Lazy Susan
9) Just how dangerous (and humorous) a Calzone Golem really is
10) How everyone complains about their Company Uniforms (given by Lord Nanther), but how they all keep wearing them at appropriate times.
11) How no matter how hard he tries, Bartolous can't pronounce Lord Dornig Leiygheron's name (he inevitably calls him "Lord Leg-a-tron."
On top of that, there's all kinds of secrets that not all of the party even really knows about.
1) What is it that Esvelle and Ulblyn Blackalbuck keep talking about?
2) Why was Elsanoth in Phlan in the first place?
3) Where does Esvelle really come from, and why does she keep manifesting magical powers?
4) Why does Elsanoth act like Bruce Wayne one minute and a Nihlistic Batman the next?
5) Why does Davram continue waiting on the docks awaiting the return of the Bitch Queen's Fury?
6) How did Elsanoth settle matters with Lord L?
7) What did Danirri and Bartolous REALLY learn in their secret divination session?
And believe me, that's just a few. If the story is still coming across well in the absence of all this, its a blessing. And maybe (just maybe) the players feel a little special because everyone is enjoying their story, but no one else really KNOWS their story. |
| AlorinDawn |
Posted - 26 Apr 2007 : 15:18:48
WalkerNinja,
I must admit you have me hooked. I am really enjoying reading your well put together session notes. Can we get an idea of levels of the party members as they go?
Thanks |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 26 Apr 2007 : 15:13:52
really I was rather surprised by the utterly blank expressions and reactions of the players. As a DM I find it satisfactory, clearly I got some surprise in on you guys. On the other hand, I somewhat expected Angorn to unleash a steady stream of obscenity, Davram to try something foolish, Esvelle to weep, and Danirri and Bartolous to hold hands and shut their eyes (because these two knew it was coming... did I just let a cat out of the bag...).
On the other hand, I've moderated my plans a little bit, basically because Elsanoth wasn't around to get petrified. You guys will be coming out of it sooner than I originally planned and should have a year or so to recover yourselves. |
| dwarvenranger |
Posted - 26 Apr 2007 : 15:02:08
I hope you expect Angorn to be completely cracked after this little episode. And I don't mean just physically. |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 24 Apr 2007 : 13:21:07
roll d20 + skill ranks + relevant ability modifier + any modifiers that you have for feat selection + modifiers for enhancing magic + any circumstancial modifiers + other.
Off hand I know that Esvelle had +4 from the Artist Feat, +7 from a magically enhanced charisma, additionally she and her band had practiced virtually non-stop (16 hour days) for the previous four days to wit I added a +1 for each hour that they practiced it, they were using masterwork instruments (an additional +2) as well as masterwork sheet music (+2), the band is her accompaniment, so basically each of them is using the Aid Another Action granting her a net +10, the laser light show gave her +6 circumstance, and the crowd was well liquored and had just seen the end of a three month period of mourning, a modifier worth an additional +6. |
| AlorinDawn |
Posted - 24 Apr 2007 : 02:59:40
WalkerNinja
I am still rather new to 3.5. How does one get a 100+ performance check? |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 23 Apr 2007 : 22:20:34
Session 20: The Party
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
4/20/07 Start Time: @ 8:00 pm
Module: Fade to Black, part 4
Nightal 27- Shieldmeet, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
- The Jeweled Edge scrambles to put together their advertised but not yet prepared city wide bash.
- Angorn the Black sees to acquiring alcohol for the bash including ten casks of Blackfeather's Beer, 30 casks of other assorted lagers and ales, and twenty - forty gallons of single malt whisky. The Guild of Brewers gives a price break and is billed as a sponsor of the event.
- Danirri and Davram pay a visit to the Lord of Keys to hire off-duty guards for security and gain a municipal sanction for the event. 50 men of the Lord's choosing are assigned to the "duty" for the equivilent of a week's pay. They do not recieve a municipal sanction, but the proper bribe gets them a military sanction.
- Esvelle continues to prepare with the band for her magnum opus
- Bartolous plies his influence at the Magic Mushroom to obtain magical confections for the noble section of the party.
- Elsanoth largely spends this day sleeping, recovering from his night time adventures
- Three to Five thousand people turn out for the party filling the central market. They are entertained by performers on three satellite stages and are plied with free booze and food. The clergy of the Laughing Halls has decorated the market place magnificently and serve as Go-Go dancers on the second floor of the Crow's Nest.
- The Iron Council of Melvaunt meets in secret prior to the party and arrives late.
- The Scions of Melvaunt arrive at the Crow's Nest in uniforms and bearing coats of arms. They are surprised that they are allowed to attend and do not know what to make of the heraldry or the clothes.
- Esvelle makes her performance with the accompaniment of a band and the spectacle of what amounts to a laser light show put on by the combined magical talents of the Jeweled Edge and the Scions of Melvaunt. In game terms, once circumstancial modifiers are included, her perfomance check exceeds 100, leaving the audience insanely happy and wanting more.
- The Iron Council makes an impromptu announcement from the fourth floor of the Crow's Nest. Peuter Marsk has been chosen to succeed the late Dundeld Nanther Lord Envoy of Melvaunt. Additionally a new seat has been added to the Council, Master of Trade, which will be occupied by Woarsten Nanther. Oreal Nanther of the Scions of Melvaunt will ascend to the house seat of House Nanther replacing his father Woarsten.
- Additionally, the council has voted to create an exception to the traditional patrician system and allow the city, itself, to become the patron of the Jeweled Edge AND the Scions of Melvaunt. Pursuant to this sponsorship, both parties are Knighted to embody their now unique position in the city. Melvaunt has not previously had a beknighted class.
- Danirri and Bartolous consumate their relationship for the first time at Bartolous' hold outside of the city.
- Davram and Angorn celebrate their accolades with a crowd of very enthusiastic (and intoxicated) young maidens of Melvaunt
- For once, Elsanoth refrains from sexual indulgence and actually begins a formal courtship of Kara Calaudra of the Scions of Melvaunt.
- Esvelle finds a night's comfort in a young man's arms.
- Two Nights Later... Shieldmeet
- The Jeweled Edge (sans Elsanoth who left for the Shieldmeet celebrations of his home) dines at Leigyerion (sp?) Manor.
- Treachery discovered too late! The middle son of House L who had not yet gone to his new (and deadly) duties as envoy to Mulmaster provides some final surprises!
- He proves to be an the employer of Corwyn Jaffe, The Wolf's Heart, and an ally of the Red Wizards of Thay!
- He haughtilly reveals his alliances and his plans as the Jeweled Edge quickly calcify making the painful transformation from FLESH to STONE!
- The Wolf's Heart begins shattering the statues of the Jeweled Edge with mallets and voice their intentions to spread their pebbles across the Moonsea in Spring!
WHAT'S NEXT? TUNE IN NEXT WEEK!
|
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 20 Apr 2007 : 14:52:22
Session 19: The Mage Fair
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
4/13/07 Start Time: @ 8:00 pm
Module: Fade to Black, part 3
Nightal 25-26, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
-the Jeweled Edge fretfully ponder the ramifications of Elsanoth's hasty speech.
-A festival is hastilly planned to celebrate the success of the Jeweled Edge featuring the vocal stylings of Esvelle Dvorak.
-Elsanoth, Bartolous, Danirri, and Davram go to the Mage Fair and do some shopping.
-Elsanoth conducts a business transaction with Baillandor the Artificer, Bartolous' one time master. Baillandor's identity is unrealized by Elsanoth.
-Upon return, Elsanoth makes a hidden arrangement with Lord L in order to secure pardon for his actions and gains a sponsor for the festival. |
| dwarvenranger |
Posted - 12 Apr 2007 : 16:26:24
quote:
Originally posted by WalkerNinja
Perhaps they can become too popular to be killed! Perhaps fame will enhance their opportunities to gain a patron of their own choosing!
Perhaps they're being railroaded |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 12 Apr 2007 : 15:08:03
Session 18: Warm Welcomes
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
4/6/07 Start Time: @ 8:00 pm
Module: Fade to Black, part 2
Nightal 23-24, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
- Re-entry to the city is made easy by the presence of the Scions of Melvaunt. Argens Bruil exerts his influence to keep the Jeweled Edge from paying taxes. In a gracious gesture, the Jeweled Edge donates the arms and armor of the orcs to the Lord of Keys care of the gate guards.
- The 11 horse 6 mule train of adventurers advance north along the wall to arrive at the palacial Nanther Manor to claim their reward.
- The Jeweled Edge is greeted by the house guards of the Nanther estate and escorted in.
- The Castellan of House Nanther, summons servants to groom the horses of the respective adventuring companies. The Jeweled Edge begins by protesting as the have several thousand gp value of treasure on those mules (including custom magically warming saddle blankets courtesy of Bartolous).
- The Castellan encourages the Jeweled Edge to temporarilly deposit their wealth in one of the Nanther vaults. While the rest of the party goes to clean up, Davram remains to take an inventory and sign for the deposit of wealth.
- Some of the Scions attempt to excuse themselves from Nanther estate. The Castellan informs them that they cannot be allowed to leave until their fathers arrive to retrieve them. House guards stand by to enforce this.
- The Jeweled Edge and Scions of Melvaunt enjoy a hot bath and are measured by Nanther tailors for new clothes.
- The Jeweled Edge percieves that they have rescued the Scions only to make them hostages once more, and bristle with anger.
- The Local Herald is summoned to present the bathing Jeweled Edge with a grant of arms. This is initially met with confusion, but as Lord Woarsten Nanther is picking up the bill, the grant of arms is accepted. The Jeweled Edge's new heraldry is thus: A horizontal knife, single edge facing down, with a twisted hilt, and a red gem in the pommel. Six drops of blood arrayed equidistantly and horizontally beneath the knife. The motto: Per Angusta ad Augusta (Through Pain, Honor; or alternately Through Trial, Victory). The Field is a dark blue.
- The Herald also informs the party of some local news 1)there has been violence in the streets between the houses, a new Lord Envoy mst be chosen soon to renew peace; 2) A Mage-Fair will be held nearby soon, as such a larger than normal amount of mages are in town.
- The Jeweled Edge meets with Woarsten Nanther before dinner. Elsanoth conducts himself very poorly, drawing harsh words from the rest of the party.
- Woarsten Nanther ecourages the Jeweled Edge to choose an official patron soon, and makes a convincing case for Nanther to be the Patron of the Jeweled Edge. It is inferred that Lord Nanther will succeed his late father as Lord Envoy of Melvaunt.
- Dinner is pleasant, and some of the Scions again try to excuse themselves from Lord Nanther's custody. Their attempt fails. The hospitality of House Nanther is extended to The Jeweled Edge in order to shield them from unwanted political attention. The offer is accepted.
- The next day, the Jeweled Edge recieves three new set of clothes 1)an adventurer's outfit, 2) a noble's outfit for each complete with Jewelry, 3) A finely cut uniform incorporating the Jeweled Edge's colors (Red, Dark Blue, and Black) including boots, a cloak, and a pendent painted with their heraldric device.
- The Jeweled Edge, along with Lord Nanther greet the Patriarchs of the noble houses who come to retrieve their lost sons and daughters. Significantly, some Jeweled Edge members inadvenrtantly display their simple origins in the court, particularly Davram who simultaneously embarrasses his party and places Lord Nanther one step closer to becoming the party's patron.
- Most of the meetings end with the relevant Scion being remanded to the custody of their father after an exchange of verbal jousting and political maneuvering leaving each noble with the impression that they are in Lord Nanther's debt. There are two notable exceptions: 1)Lord Bruil does not appear to reclaim Argens. Instead the Lord of Keys, Halmuth Bruil comes to reclaim his younger brother. In this manner, Lord Nanther's designs toward House Bruil are thwarted. 2)Lord Dornig Leiygharion (sp?)arrives with another son in chains. Lord L declares that it was his son who was the architect of the Scion's demise and (calling Lord Nanther the Lord Envoy) calls for Nanther's judgement on his son. Nanther, pleased at being called Lord Envoy by his chief rival appoints Bremen (the bad son) the envoy to Mulmaster (where he will no doubt be assassainated as have the last three envoys to Mulmaster). Kalman L is remanded to the custody of his father when something rather dramatic occurs.
- Elsanoth takes the opportunity to rub Lord L's nose in his son's corruption, then continues to harshly criticize his other son, Kalman. Finally he predicts that one of his sons will kill him, and infers that he would not be saddened by Lord L's passing.
- In reply, Lord L asks Lord Nanther whether the Jeweled Edge are clients of Lord Nanther. To which Lord Nanther replies that his offers of patronage have not yet been accepted. Lord L smiles, utters, "good," turns and leaves.
- Lord Nanther rescinds his previous offer of hospitality (though not his offer of patronage) and suggests that the Jeweled Edge find another vault in which to store their wealth.
- Outside Nanther manor, the Jeweled Edge are informed by the Nanther Castellan that Lord L cannot enact Vendetta for four days yet and that they ought to seriously consider Lord Nanther's offer of patronage.
- Back at the Crowe's Nest, the party explodes all over Elsanoth, most convinced that they have but four days to live. Elsanoth is unapologetic and begins discussing with Angorn some private matters.
- Danirri and Bartolous call upon their respective gods with divinations and prayers. They emerge from an hours long session announcing that the Jeweled Edge CANNOT leave Melvaunt, that to do so would threaten the Weave.
- Angorn recieves council from Corkin Markov
- Esvelle thrills the Crowe's Nest with a FANTASTIC return performance (performance check 54). All of the inn chants their names, and no member of the Jeweled Edge pays for a drink all night.
- Some members of the Jeweled Edge hatch a plan, and hire criers and bards (with liberal coin) to proclaim their great deeds all across the city.
Perhaps they can become too popular to be killed! Perhaps fame will enhance their opportunities to gain a patron of their own choosing!
Find out NEXT TIME!
|
| AlorinDawn |
Posted - 08 Apr 2007 : 16:27:07
WalkerNinja,
Hats off to yee sir, seems you spin quite a tale. Your characters backgrounds are fantastic, deep, and offer tons of roleplaying opportunities. The session recaps are very nice and fun to read. Keep them coming! |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 07 Apr 2007 : 00:23:24
Session 17: The Return
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
3/23/07 Start Time: @ 8:00 pm
Module: Fade to Black, part 1
Nightal 12-22, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
- The Scions of Melvaunt and the Jeweled Edge hurriedly plunder Xul-Jarak and set out at a quick pace on magically summoned steeds and carrying their loot on a Tenser's Floating Disc spell.
-Making their way across the Thar in the midst of the night, the two adventuring groups savagely fight off exhaustion and discovery by the 2,000 orcs still in the vicinity of Xul Jarak
-Eventually, they meet back at their base camp where Haravak has been watching over their horses.
-Haravak and Angorn (whose fortitude must now be seen as truly legendary) stand guard while the remainder of the two parties.
-The four rangers in the party (Elsanoth, Angorn, Young Nanther, and Davram) guide the party around bands of orcs and the other dangerous denizens of the Thar for a tenday.
-The boredom of traversing the freezing and muddy terrain is occasionally broken up by pranks between the bands. One such exchange nearly brings the two parties to blows.
-Finally, the party comes to the former homestead of Theoderus Stoneblood, where they divvy up the loot, store some in the old dwarf's stronghold and make plans to re-enter the city. |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 30 Mar 2007 : 22:05:38
Session 16: Sons of Gruumsh IV
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
3/16/07 Start Time: @ 8:00 pm
Module: Sons of Gruumsh
Nightal 12, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
-Using cunning strategy, the Jeweled Edge successfully penetrates the final two layers of Xul Jarak.
-An enlarged Angorn makes swift work of most enemies.
-A strange form of dragon complicates matters in the bottom most layer.
-A brutal battle with Thrull and his final defenders grant Victory to the Jeweled Edge.
-The Scions of Melvaunt are rescued. |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 06 Mar 2007 : 22:37:29
Session 15: Sons of Gruumsh III
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
3/2/07 Start Time: @ 8:00 pm
Module: Sons of Gruumsh
Nightal 12, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
-Combat unfolds messilly in the hall of the Orc King, the Jeweled Edge displaying an intersting combination of bravery, bravado, recklessness, careful consideration, and the ability to survive blows that would easilly down a heavy warhorse. For their part, the Orcs reacted with some surprising tactics and fierce blows. Not fierce enough as it turned out... The combat was so large and so wild that I have to impart at least these scenes from it:
1) In answer to the Orc Champion's call, a wyvern from the courtyard barrells through the front wall lashing out with its tail. Davram learns the power of its sting as its barbs protrude from his chest and he begins coughing poison.
2) "Just keep firing!" Bartolous screamed. "We'll be safe up here for now!" It was at that moment that he learned what potion the orc berserkers had imbibed as they flew up through the ruined roof to bring death to him.
3) Gorg, Xul Jarak's chief cook ran to the tavern to raise the alarm. He howled in astonishment as he discovered every denizen of the tavern to be dead. He ran on to the bathrooms to rouse the defenders... and found a pair of his companions bloody and half stuffed into the latrines. On he ran to the front guard room... and found the floor littered with corpses. Gorg, being a prudent cook, ran for a way out of Xul Jarak.
4) "Surrender!" Elsanoth ordered the human clergyman. "Who are you! What are you doing here!" The Zhentish Priest of Bane blithely replied, "Good adventurer! I am Livikus, an ordained warpriest of Torm the True, foe of all that is evil, bad, and naughty. I am here negotiating safe passage for a band of merchants in order to preserve innocent life. Oh my, you've suffered grievous wounds! May I heal you?" To which Elsanoth replied, "Definitely, it sure is nice to see a friendly face..."
-From there, the party re-supplied from the corpses of their foes, and headed into the sub-basements to seek the Scions of Melvaunt.
|
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 26 Feb 2007 : 14:10:35
Session 14: Sons of Gruumsh II
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
2/23/07 Start Time: @ 9:00 pm
Module: Sons of Gruumsh
Nightal 8-12, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
The Jeweled Edge continues their trek to Xul Jarak to rescue the Scions of Melvaunt...
-Four days after our last entry, the Jeweled Edge have arrived at Xul Jarak.
-The previous two days, in addition to the day of arrival have been characterized by Downpour conditions (The Melvaunt Monsoon season continues)
-Coated in mud, sweat, and rain, the Jeweled Edge makes their approach towards the breached Western Wall.
-Danirri, animates a rope that allows the Jeweled Edge to climb up a 20' sheer hill side to the base of the Western Wall.
-Elsanoth, the first up, scouts the area, identifying the nearest guards, and makes a shocking discovery... a Sleeping Wyvern in the Courtyard!
-Thinking more like a Thief and Assassin and less like a fearfully bumbling adventurer, Elsanoth proposes that a strike team ascends the wall and silently eliminates the guards atop the walls.
-Elsanoth, Davram (who shed his armor for stealth), and Esvelle, make their ascent.
-The miserable weather has worn down the attentiveness of the orcish archers, and they fail to notice the approach of the strike team.
-Post by post, one by one, the orcish archers fall before the hateful blade of Davram Dvorak and are caught, before they fall, by Elsanoth New Moon to be disposed of quietly.
-The rest of the Jeweled Edge now follows slowly in the wake of the strike team
-The Archer to the South East fails to die in one blow and lets out a death cry
-Strangely enough, the death cry is lost in a crack of thunder. The everwatching gods are profusely thanked.
-The gatehouse is assaulted next, stealth being sacrificed for a swift end. The hope being that the gatehouse is sufficiently isolated that none of the other inhabitants would hear the maelstrom of combat over the storm.
-All goes to plan, and the gatehouse orcs are slaughtered wholesale, their bodies and blood so thick on the ground that they must be walked on top of, and the Jeweled Edge finds their boots slick with blood.
-The final room on the isolated South end of Xul Jarak appears to be a tavern. Massing in the Jakes, the Jeweled Edge uses cunning and violence to bring the tuskers to slaughter
-Exhausted by a 20 mile march, a 40 foot climb, and the slaughter of better than 30 orcs thus far, the Jeweled Edge takes a few moments to take their ease among the corpses in the Tavern, drinking the wine that they brought with them, and gnawing on swiftly molding rations.
-Reascending the Wall, the Jeweled Edge makes their way to the upper floor of the Keep. Taking their time, the discover a guard room where four orcs yet remain.
-They spring in bringing blades and spells swiftly to bear, the surprise orcs quickly falling... literally.
-It is only midway through this attack that members of the Jeweled Edge realize that the southern wall to this room is missing, in addition to wide portions of the floor.
-The dead orcs tumble down to the first floor, into the great hall of the Orcish Champion Vhazror the Wyvern Rider. 20 or so of his favorite Orcish berserkers and ogre mercenaries wait in attendance. All stare upward toward the now plainly visible members of the Jeweled Edge.
|
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 22 Feb 2007 : 13:22:49
Session 13: Sons of Gruumsh I
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
2/16/07 Start Time: @ 7:30 pm
Module: Sons of Gruumsh
Nightal 2-8, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
-The Jeweled Edge scrambles to make preparations to pursue the Scions of Melvaunt
-The issue of equitably distributed treasure among the party is finally settled
-Danirri and Bartolous craft a number of scrolls with the assistance of Andolyn
-Bartolous crafts a Challenge Coin for Danirri officially initiating her into the Jeweled Edge
-A group of bravos employed by House Leighyron accost a band of adventurers mistaken for the Jeweled Edge, the issue is settled by Gold Dwarven Mercenaries in the employ of House Natali (a minor house of Melvauntan nobility)
-A shopkeeper admits selling a map indicating an orcish ruin to the Scions of Melvaunt. Under duress he acknowledges that the map is of a spurious nature.
-The Jeweled Edge departs Melvaunt by the North Gate in the midst of a midwinter downpour
-The rain makes tracking difficult, but not so difficult that Angorn and Davram are unable to pick up the tracks of the Scions of Melvaunt
-A second day of torrential downpours (who knew Melvaunt had a monsson season!) slows progress and obscures the tracks
-A fateful decision is made to follow a northerly trail leading away from the Glister Road.
-The orcish ruins are found... as well as an owlbear!
-The ruins reveal orcs slain by sword, spell, and arrow, a couple of dead horses, and the Corpse of Dorn Crownshield, the nominal mentor of the Scions of Melvaunt. It is clear that the Scions were ambushed.
-Following the trail left by the kidnappers, the Jeweled Edge crosses the path of a Warband of Orc Brutes. They owe allegiance to a new Warlord, Thrull. The fighting is fierce, but the Jeweled Edge emerges triumphant.
-Though they attempted to capture one orc Brute alive, Elsanoth spoiled all when he attempted to pin the Orc's foot to the ground with a thrown dagger, but instead found a secret orc artery located in the arch of the foot (yes... he rolled insta-kill).
-Finding the Orc Brute's base camp they hastilly ambush the rest, slaughtering all but the seargant in 18 seconds. The seargant gives valuable information:
-A new Warlord is calling all orc tribes to him at Xul Jarak
-Thrull wields the fabled Hammer of Gruumsh, destined to reunify the Orc Tribes
-To solidify support, he will undergo the the Bloodspear Ritual, wherein the scions will be sacrificed as offerings to Gruumsh One-Eye and fuel the ritual.
-Having no further use, Davram puts the seargant to the sword
-Haravak, a 1/2 orc ranger loyal to Melvaunt and a member of the Thay Rangers comes upon the camp of the Jeweled Edge
-The Jeweled Edge offers Haravak the location of a clutch of Owl Bear eggs in return for being guided to Xul Jarak.
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| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 16 Feb 2007 : 15:22:06
Session 12: The Cursed Warehouse
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
2/9/07 Start Time: @ 7:30 pm
Module: The Feast of the Moon
The Feast of the Moon- Nightal 2, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
-Having found criminal evidence in the residence of the late Theoderus Stoneblood, The Jeweled Edge pursues the trail seeking to vindicate his killing
-After achieving an accord with Jemel Ganza, of Ganza's Arms and Armor, Elsanoth informs his companions of their next mission
-The sub-basement Four Quarters Warehouse is where the items sought by the Jeweled Edge lie.
-These items, when wielded kill the wielder and bring him back as a wight.
-The bodies of those slain were sold surreptitiously to the Resting Place of the Whip, a temple to Loviatar
-Their progress through the sub-basement is hotly contested by blood-chilling undead shadows
-After being critically wounded and seriously distressed by some tactical decisions, Elsanoth abandons the search leaving his party members to their own devices.
-On their own, the remainder of the Jeweled Edge battle a Wight, two Gricks, and a rampaging Xorn, coming near death but ultimately triumphing.
-The Jeweled Edge is briefly puzzled by the presence of the Wight, since all bodies were said to have been removed.
-On the body is discovered a note, revealing that this fellow was a thief sent to acquire the same items sought by the Jeweled Edge, commisioned by "J.S."
-A day after these exploits, they are commissioned by Lord Woarsten Nanther to seek his lost son for a prize of 1,000 platinum pieces.
-After extensive investigation, it is thought that Young Nanther and four of his friends had been planning to become "adventurers." They fell in with the reknowned dwarven Orc-Slayer Dorn Crownshield, and set out on the Glister trail in search of Orcish Ruins in Secret.
-The Jeweled Edge makes preparations to pursue the Scions of Melvaunt.
NPC's
Jemel Ganza- Proprietor of Ganza's Arms and Armor in southern Melvaunt.
Woarsten Nanther- Lord of House Nanther
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| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 03 Feb 2007 : 22:48:38
Session 11
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
2/2/07 Start Time: @ 7:30 pm
Module: The Feast of the Moon
Uktar 29 - The Feast of the Moon, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
-Arriving at the gates of Melvaunt (short one horse, and hauling the corpse of a Bulette), the Jeweled Edge are warmly welcomed home.
-Elsanoth and Esvelle beat the streets for a buyer for their Bulette corpse.
-A representative of the Lord of Keys purchases the Bulette corpse.
-After nearly a month in the Wild Thar, the Jeweled Edge seeks relaxation in their own ways.
-Elsanoth soaks in a tub and has Ananara (tavern maid) fill him in on goings-on
-Esvelle rests and pampers herself in preparation for her return performance at the Crow's Nest
-Bartolous and Daniiri visit Andolyn and Gendrew at the Magic Mushroom, and assist in filling a slew of orders for the upcoming Holiday.
-Angorn sets immediately back to work at Corkin Markov's smithy preparing for his upcoming guild interview.
-Davram excuses himself, and asks his companions not to seek him until after the Feast of the Moon.
-Ulblyn Blackalbuck informs Elsanoth that the tattooed slaves are somehow tied to a Dwarven taskmage named Theoderus.
-Elsanoth is later tailed by an unsavory fellow, but manages to give him the slip
-Bartolous and Daniiri are accosted in the street and warned to give up on the tattooed slaves if they value their lives.
-The party determines to investigate Theoderus.
-Theoderus proves significantly less than hospitable, and the Jeweled Edge must break-in to meet him. They are met by spells, traps, and animated objects.
-Theoderus is killed by Bartolous in a less than orthodox Mage Duel.
-It is discovered that Theoderus has enchanted some particularly dangerous items and passed them on to Ganza's Arms and Armor.
-The Jeweled Edge resolves to "see about" these enchanted items.
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| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 03 Feb 2007 : 22:47:58
Session 10
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
1/26/07 Start Time: @ 8:00 pm
Module: The Road Home
Uktar 20-28, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
-Having been spurned in their attempts to discover the True Tomb of Vorbyx, the Jeweled Edge prepares to make their way home.
-The first hours of travel brings brings them upon one of their old campsites, and a band of orcs that has been tracking them from the point at which their territory was unwittingly violated by the Jeweled Edge. Furiously combat ensues resulting in the death of all of the Blood Claw warriors and leaders. The victory rings hollow as the Jeweled Edge cannot stop to make camp to rest (they have just enough provisions to make Melvaunt). Spending the remainder of their healing spells, they press onward.
- Fate seems set against them as they run awry of another hungry Ettin. In their weakened state, the Jeweled Edge has a life or death situation on their hands. In spite of their infirmity, they come out triumphant against all odds. Such luck cannot be counted upon in the future.
- Angorn and Davram, both having polished their wilderness lore safely guide their party around other threats including a pack of Worgs.
- The luck of the Jeweled Edge holds true as they cross paths with a Bullette a day's journey outside of Melvaunt. While many party members are critically injured, the only death is that of Esvelle's mount.
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| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 22 Jan 2007 : 15:07:39
Session 9
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
1/19/07 Start Time: @ 8:30 pm
Module: Vorbyx's Watchpost part 2
Uktar 16-20, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
-After defeating the Cloaker lurking at the top of Vorbyx's Watchpost, the party turns their attention to loot.
-The nature of the Jade Key is made evident, and a map is revealed purporting the location of the Tomb of Vorbyx.
-Vorbyx's Watchpost is discovered to be a magical location that grants its inhabitants keen vision and enhanced reaction times.
-It is decided to rest for a day at Vorbyx's Watchpost, and then to press on to the Tomb of Vorbyx.
-Two and a half days of hard (but combat free) travel find the Jeweled Edge in the right valley, the Cave holding the tomb is quickly uncovered by Angorn's increasing mastery of the Wild.
-Vorbyx's tomb reveals a riddle, that ultimately is solved by trial and painful error.
-In the end the 'tomb' is revealed to be a trap laid by Vorbyx himself 2,000 years past to flout his enemies.
A Listing of Treasure procured this session
+1 Greatsword
+1 Ring of Protection
Lesser Bracers of Archery
+1 Cloak of Resistance
Ring of Climbing |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 15 Jan 2007 : 16:02:09
Session 8
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
1/12/06 Start Time: @ 9:00 pm
Module: Vorbyx's Watchpost part 1
Uktar 6-15, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
Absent PC's- Davram & Bartolous
-Working in tandem with Lady Joyworker Shandar and Ulblyn Blackalbuck, the tattooed slaves are secured and are awaiting transport to a location known only by the Halfling Harper
-Esvelle continues to perform nightly at the Crow's Nest
-Ulblyn Blackalbuck identifies the Jade Obelisk as a Vorbyxian Key, and places its relevance at Vorbyx's Watchpost.
-Danirri loses her Thayan tattoo miraculously at Mystra's will.
-Ulblyn suggests that Angorn, Elsanoth, Esvelle, and Danirri investigate Vorbyx's Watchpost. Bartolous is still needed to continue researching the Tattoos and Davram volunteers to safeguard the remaining tattooed slaves.
-Angorn purchases equipment by trading the remaining excess riding horses
-Elsanoth investigates the Thar and its indigeonous tribes.
-Esvelle convinces her party to depart a day later than planned in order to give a farewell performance at the Crow's Nest.
-Departing on Uktar 12, the party is quickly off track and caught in a snow storm.
-In the midst of the snow blown night, the party is assaulted by an Ettin, who is slain after great effort. The ettin's pouch yields 900gp.
-The snow storm intensifies the next day, and the party decides to stay at camp rather than risk getting lost again.
-The night of Uktar 13, the corpse of the Ettin re-animates and is hastilly slain once more, its remains scattered.
-Elsanoth recounts rumors of a cabal of Necromancers near the Galenas to explain the random re-animation of the Ettin.
-Uktar 15, Vorbyx's watchpost is achieved.
-The lower two levels are cleared of Beholderkin and Shocker Lizards.
Treasure
900gp - Ettin
127gp- Shocker Lizard's Nest
86sp- Shocker Lizard's Nest
Gold Necklace (75gp)- Shocker Lizard's Nest
Scroll of Shatter- Shocker Lizard's Nest
12 +1 bolts- Beholderkin Room
2 potions of Cure Light Wounds- Beholderkin Room
vial of Alchemist's Fire- Beholderkin Room
76gp- Beholderkin Room
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| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 16:04:49
Session 7
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
12/29/06 Start Time: @ 10:00 pm
Module: The Devil's Fire Tavern Continued
Uktar 5-6, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
-After securing the Tavern and Basement, the Jeweled Edge sees to their wounded
-12 slaves are found, each bearing a tattoo similar to the symbol found in Session 3
-It is determined that the tattoos are magical and used to facilitate scrying
-It is found that the slaves are of disimilar origins, and their only recent memory is of the cave
-Elsanoth goes to procure Lady Joyworker Shandar to seek her counsel
-She, in turn, takes Elsanoth to Ulblyn Blackalbuck
-The three return to the Devil's Fire Tavern and formulate a plan for the slaves in concert with the Jeweled Edge
-After the plan is formulated, the party agrees to continue working with Ulblyn Blackalbuck, Melvaunt's resident Harper
List of NPC's
Daniri Lathen- A tattooed slave from Scardale, eager for revenge and membership with the Jeweled Edge
Ulblyn Blackalbuck- Halfling. Melvaunt's resident Harper. Very secretive. Very serious. |
| MerrikCale |
Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 12:47:20
I do enjoy reading these |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 03 Jan 2007 : 23:16:47
That'd be appreciated, Al. |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 03 Jan 2007 : 22:55:21
Well met, WalkerNinja
A great collection of journals and I congratulate ye for maintaining these during thy adventuring sessions 
I'd be happy to include these in the Campaign Logs section of the site, if ye wish? |
| dwarvenranger |
Posted - 03 Jan 2007 : 22:29:55
Shards, what a dwarf this Angorn must be Sounds like he stays busy rescuing the other party members. |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 03 Jan 2007 : 20:55:58
Session 6
Campaign: Mysteries of the Moonsea
12/29/06 Start Time: @ 7:00 pm
Module: The Devil's Fire Tavern
Marpenoth 25- Uktar 5, 1372 The Year of Wild Magic
-Davram wanders the city "feeling things out."
-Bartolous works feverishly at the Magic Mushroom earning new spells from Andolyn. He also crafts six magic trinkets: A magic mushroom of blown glass that functions as a doorbell, and the Five Challenge Coins of the Jeweled Edge cut from platinum, rimmed with blue quartz, emblazoned with the badge of the Jeweled Edge, and enspelled to render certain benefits to their bearers.
-Angorn works hard at the forge of Corkin Markov, becomes better aquainted with his host and his dealings, but congregates with his party at meal-times at The Crow's Nest.
-Elsanoth conducts an interview with Angorn, and warns Esvelle concerning her behaviour. He is often in the company of Shandar Lyrintar. He also begins investigating a few of the rumors that come to his ears from Angorn.
-Esvelle passes most of her time at the Laughing Halls, but earns a fair amount of coin at The Crow's Nest with her performance art and becomes acquainted with a tradition called the Bard's Cup.
-By the end of the tenday, living at the Crow's Nest and eating its fine foods has begun to empty their formerly overflowing pockets.
-Lady Joyworker Shandar Lyrintar approaches the party with a mission from an unknown employer. The mission revolves around the Devil's Fire Tavern and a mysterious black market trade in slaves, of which Elsanoth and Angorn have heard some rumors.
-The Devil's Fire Tavern is staked out by Angorn and Elsanoth, and later invaded by the Jeweled Edge. An underground passage leads to a sea cave, convenient for a smuggling operation, and a hold of slaves. The defenders of the cavern put up a ferocious fight nearly ending the life of Davram.
List of NPC's
Corwyn Jaffe- apparently the assassain from Phlan, the pirate lieutenant that escaped the Jeweled Edge at the Bandit Cave, and an avowed member of a Malarite cult in Hillsfar. As Elsanoth noted: "Wow! This guy's working ALL of the angles."
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